Connections Spring 2010
www.nebcommfound.org
NCF Launches $4 Million Campaign
A LOOK INSIDE...
The Nebraska Community Foundation is one of only five organizations nationwide to receive up to a $1 million challenge grant from the Ford Foundation. Linetta J. Gilbert, senior program officer at the Ford Foundation, made the announcement at NCF’s Annual Banquet celebration in November. The grant must be matched three-to-one by contributions from Nebraska-connected donors. To date, $1.3 million in match has been Linetta J. Gilbert announces the Ford Challenge to an committed. audience of more than 200 NCF affiliated fund leaders, “Some of you may ask why the Nebraska friends and supporters in Columbus, NE. Community Foundation is receiving for all. That early strategy has now become a this gift,” Gilbert said. “Well, simply, Ford seeks national model. out visionaries on the front lines of social change. “This type of innovation needs to be linked to a The Nebraska Community Foundation has really strong, stable base,” Gilbert said. She challenged distinguished itself in critical ways. Nebraskans to grow NCF’s endowment and operating capacity to ensure that NCF can nurture all of its affiliated funds and be a strong parent “What you are doing to rebuild your organization, today and in the future. communities is unique, and the rest of the nation is watching what you do.” Linetta Gilbert reminded the audience that Linetta J. Gilbert uncertain economic times should not restrict Senior Program Officer fundraising efforts. She noted that in the The Ford Foundation history of giving in the U.S., the largest amount of individual giving occurred during the Great Depression. “In the field of philanthropy, NCF determined its niche “These economic times will require the Foundation for itself among regional and national foundations. to remain focused and steady. This challenge How can philanthropy organize local intellect, pride grant will enable the Foundation to be there for and money to reinvent rural economies in Nebraska? That was the question and the niche that you decided all of the affiliated funds, while it strengthens its own operations and builds its own endowment,” to work within,” Gilbert said. Gilbert said. “The Nebraska Community Foundation has “The Ford Challenge grant is a public endorsement helped you believe enough in the future of your communities in rural Nebraska that you and others that says, you will go further, and we’re glad to are giving your time, talent and resources to make have you as a partner. Thank you so much for this investment opportunity.” your communities effective places and safe places
ANNUAL BANQUET and EXPO
NCF By The Numbers (12/31/09)
200 Affiliated Funds $58.7 Million Total Assets $30.4 Million Endowed Assets 164 Planned Gifts 34,486 Contributions $96.6 Million Reinvested
184 Communities Served 11% Year-Over-Year Growth 30% Year-Over-Year Growth $33 Million to Benefit Nebraska Received in the Last 5 Years $53.7 Million in the Last 5 Years
Affiliated fund leaders and guests gather in Columbus for two days of inspiration, celebration and training. The banquet featured speakers from four northeast Nebraska affiliated funds in a salute to the NCF partnership model.
Full article on page 3
CHARITABLE GIFT SUPPORTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Earnings from NCF’s largest estate gift ever will provide funding to match local support for business coaching. The grant will go to Holt County Economic Development, an affiliated fund and partner in the HomeTown Competitiveness initiative. Full article on page 6
GRANT ENCOURAGES ECONOMIC INTEGRATION Training in financial literacy will help new Americans in the Columbus area become more involved and engaged in their community. The Columbus Area Community Foundation Fund is playing a major role. Full article on page 6
BEST PRACTICE: CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY Sometimes raising community awareness is as important as raising dollars. The Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund earns an award for its family-friendly event. Full article on page 8